I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Aiden Evans
yep
36 upvotes
Stella White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Ezra Thompson
Came here for school and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The nightlife is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Maya Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Nicholas White
literally same
17 upvotes
Ethan Morgan
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in East area are decent. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Avery A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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